Chapter Twenty-Nine

I grimaced at my reflection and fidgeted with my clothes, attempting to like them. Something about most human clothes just…didn’t seem right anymore after the outfits Xilen had put me in. Aside from my uniforms, all I really had were a few sets of pants, shorts, and leggings. My shirts were all tank tops or sweaters. It was too hot for sweaters, so I’d opted for a black tank top plus shorts set, and a light jacket over it to hide the blue marking on my back.

Even though my outfit made sense, it irked me. It was like the annoyance I felt if I put my right foot into a left shoe. Except, for my whole body.

But I’m not getting anywhere like this, and it’s already getting dark. I sighed heavily, giving myself one last glance in the mirror. Does everything look and feel so wrong because…it is? If I’m Syldrari…

In all honesty, I wasn’t fully sold on the idea of me being a Syldrari. Not because it didn’t make sense—it made too much goddamn sense, let’s be real—but because I didn’t like the questions that needed answering if I really was. Was I female? Statistically, it was unlikely. If I was female, was I a queen? Again, statistically unlikely, yet the way my acquaintances reacted made me wonder. Why was I on this planet? Had I been sold like Ciheri? Was my family in hiding for some reason? Was I the only member of my family that had been hit by the Resonance Incident after all?

There were dozens more questions I wanted answers to if I was a Syldrari, and I had a feeling my acquaintances couldn’t answer even a quarter of them. They were just as perplexed by my existence as I was.

“You look uncomfortable. Should we postpone your errands?” Zafir asked when I strode into the common area.

“Overactive brain and I don’t like my clothes,” I answered shortly. “I’m going. You have a list for me?”

Zafir frowned slightly as he stood up, a sheet of paper in hand. “I do. But, what is wrong with your clothes?”

“Don’t get me started. Let’s just say I may find myself pestering Xilen for options. These just don’t feel right.” I sighed heavily. He got me started. I shook my head hard. “Never mind that. Give me your list before I decide to complain your ear off about things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.”

“If you need to vent, I will listen. Perhaps we can find an alternative…?” Zafir offered, trailing off when I shook my head again.

He looked mildly hurt by my refusal, so I quickly added, “If I’m still simmering on it after my errands, sure. It’s already getting dark though and I’d rather not find myself in a position where I need to change to Lethe while out and about. So, for now, I’ll leave it at ‘human clothes feel wrong.’”

“You’re sure?” Zafir asked worriedly, and I nodded. “Very well…I won’t keep you. Though you’re off duty, be careful, please. And if you run into any trouble, call me. I can send a team and—”

“I’ll be fine.” I patted his arm as I walked by. “Assuming certain antagonistic…hmmm, I need a nickname for him.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Zafir muttered dryly. “I’ll see you when you get back. There’s some reports I’d like to show you.”

“Mhm, sure.” I nodded, disappearing into the elevator. Such a worrier… I can’t decide if its infuriating or endearing.

My communicator beeped a few seconds later, and I sighed before lifting it to my ear.

“One more thing, I almost forgot,” Zafir spoke immediately. “ Could you possibly bring food for me and your team?”

“For…the team too?” I murmured, tilting my head. “Aren’t they still…”

“No. I just received a message that they’ve woken up and are undergoing additional tests to determine if they can be let out of isolation,” Zafir answered. In the background, I heard him tapping away rapidly at his data pad. “There is something I would like to check—and I also have a craving for… Ah, I’ll forward you a list to show Rel.”

“And I’m supposed to carry all of this how?” I placed a hand on my hip, my eyes flicking up to check how long it’d be until I reached the ground floor.

“Assuming Rel agrees to assist with your training, ask him to help you? It would do your team well to meet him, as well.” Zafir answered simply, and I pressed my fingers to my temples. “ Trust me. Rel would be delighted to foist his food on more humans, and I doubt he will say no to you . After all, you have something Xilen does not.”

“Which is?” I asked dryly, wondering why he was now comparing me to Rel’s childhood friend.

“ You have a genuine respect for Lun’iri.” Zafir’s tone made me glance sideways at the communicator. “ Xilen is rescuing people from falling to cruel queens, that is true, but that she sees Lun’iri as something to rescue is a problem itself.”

“I don’t think that’s a sign of her not respecting Lun’iri…it just may be a different type of respect. Its colored by the lens of Syldrari cultural and societal norms, as well as having a better grasp of what other queens are like.

“ I am just working with the information I have. Besides, Syldrari can take care of themselves. They don’t need me or Xilen to babysit them—but if they’re already in a stupendous amount of trouble, Xilen is more likely to be able to help them than I am. Now, I’m about to reach the ground floor. Anything else?”

Zafir chuckled. “Don’t sell yourself short. You are very different from other Iri—delightfully so—and it will draw Lun’iri to you whether you like it or not. It’s what you do with your ability that will define how you continue to be received.

“For example, let’s say Rel attempts to kiss you—how would you stop him?”

“Uh…by saying I’m not ready for that yet…?” I frowned. It sounded like a stupid question, but Zafir’s questions usually weren’t stupid. Where is he going with this, and when is he going to be comfortable having these conversations face-to-face instead of from the safety of his comms?

Another amused laugh, this time to the tune of ‘I knew I was right.’ “ Elara, a reluctant queen would ask if he made a move because her power made him lose himself. Someone like Xilen would take the move at face value. The cruel queens would be the initiator, then likely make him feel like he was a bad person for anything happening.

“Then there’s you. Your suggested reaction shows that you’d respect his feelings and your own, without taking into account your draw—as it should be. We aren’t slaves to an Iri or queen’s natural draw— but we can be. It’s that risk that makes people like Jysel so defensive and antagonistic around you.”

“I see…” I murmured. The elevator shuddered to a stop, and the doors slid open. “Have to go. I’ll keep what you said in mind—and, don’t forget to send me a list of food you want.”

“Erik should be waiting for you with civilian-style transport out front,” Zafir offered. “ I will go brief the building’s staff. It wouldn’t do for them to mistake Rel for Jysel.”

Zafir hung up, so I pocketed my communicator and headed for the front door. When I spotted Erik, I gave him a little wave and approached him.

“I’ll take you to the edge of the Syldrari Sector and wait for you there, ma’am,” Erik offered, holding the door open for me.

“Oh? You won’t be joining me?” I asked as I slid into the back seat.

“Afraid not. I’ve been ordered to stay with the car.” Erik shook his head and closed the door, then hopped into the driver’s seat. “Probably for the best. If they’re as taken with you as I hear, I don’t think they’d take kindly to you having a military escort when off duty. We’ll be near my stomping grounds, so take your time. Just give me a call when you’re on your way back to the car.”

“Sure, that works for me if it works for you.” I nodded, then began to poke around examining the interior of the ‘civilian vehicle.’ It was a lot comfier than anything I’d ridden in thus far, and it had no sway, jitter, or bumpiness to its glide.

“First time in civ transport?” Erik asked amusedly, and I nodded. “They’re built with everything they need to—hopefully—keep people’s kids placated during long trips. Got TV and games in the back, there’s a small fridge built-in for snacks and drinks too.

“Why we don’t incorporate some of this stuff for military vehicles, I’ll never understand. Get a group of soldiers stuck in the back of transport craft for a few hours and you’ll wish you were haulin’ kids instead.”

It occurred to me that the closest thing to interacting with kids I’d done was walk by them at our new HQ and the mall attached to it. “So, no reading materials or anything at least to keep you occupied during transport?”

“Nope! We’re expected to be ‘alert in case of enemy attack.’ No distractions allowed.” Erik snorted and shook his head. “Here we are, ma’am. Know where you’re going from this side?”

“Hmmm…” I peered around, looking for landmarks. “Yep, will take me a little longer than usual to get to my destination from this side, but that’s fine. I haven’t gotten that good of a look at the shops over on this side of the sector.”

“Good, I’ll park here then.” Erik turned the vehicle off and got out, then helped me to my feet. Then, he motioned off toward a set of buildings across the large gap between sectors. “I’ll be doing some shopping of my own over there. You gonna be long enough that I should grab dinner too?”

“Yeah, Zafir made my list longer, so I’ll be a while—plus I’m picking up way too much damn food from Rel’s.” I nodded in response. “Oh, and in case Zafir forgot to mention it—we may be bringing Rel back with us. At the very least, he’ll probably be helping me carry things. He’s…Jysel’s twin brother. So—”

“Twin?” Erik raised an eyebrow, then shook his head. “Right. So no shooting on sight. Got it. See you in a while.”

We parted ways, and I walked through the Syldrari Sector at a leisurely pace. Since I was off duty, I decided to pay more attention to what manner of goods were being sold at both street vendors and displayed in store windows. There were things I expected, like street food vendors and drink stands, but the thing that set the Syldrari’s shops apart from other sectors, in my opinion, was how many were selling art, books, instruments, and music. Those categories were much more common than clothing or jewelry, though there was a healthy amount of that too.

Perhaps one of the most amusing things I saw was a vendor selling human textbooks as a novelty item. I had a feeling it wasn’t inaccurate…but that some people might get a little upset about it.

“You must be that girl I’ve been hearing about from Rel and Xilen,” an unfamiliar voice called. I glanced over to see a male Syldrari with soft pink skin and white hair waving to me. “I don’t think I’ve seen you on this side of town before. My name is Lynir.”

“Am I that obvious?” I laughed, walking over to his storefront. “Name’s Elara. Nice to meet you, Lynir.”

“There aren’t many humans around here,” Lynir remarked, motioning around us, before giving me a warm smile. “Xilen said something about you being ‘an excellent model for Syldrari hybrid fashions.’ She’s a frequent client of mine, and showed me some shots of you in my designs.”

“Oh, so those were your work?” I remarked curiously, taking a second glance at his shop. Sure enough, there were some similar pieces displayed in the windows.

“That they are! Care to take a look?“ Lynir offered, stepping aside. “Xilen already informed me of your ‘quirk’ that requires privacy. I can either take your measurements for custom pieces, or I can find you something readymade. Perhaps both if you like my work enough.”

“Maybe just a quick look…the sooner I can replace these damned human clothes, the better, honestly. They itch !” I relented happily and walked into the store filled with vibrant colors and high contrasting pieces. There was a wall dedicated to perfumes in one area, though I couldn’t for the life of me determine where the women’s and men’s sections were. Maybe their clothing is more unisex than I realized?

“Now then, what colors do you like?” Lynir walked a circle around me, then stopped and flourished his hand in the direction of some rather colorful outfits with sheer cutouts.

“The only colors I don’t like to wear are yellow and orange,” I answered dryly. “Though, I have a feeling that may mean something different to Syldrari eyes. So, how about we look at it from this angle—what can I wear that won’t offend Syldrari or piss of my bosses?”

“Ah yes, the delicate balancing act of self-expression while under an oppressive gaze…” Lynir pivoted gracefully and eyed his selection of attire. “Perhaps we should peruse my designs inspired by military attire? Items which you can express yourself subtly, maintain freedom of movement…yes, yes…”

Lynir began murmuring to himself in Syldran as he sorted through various sets of displayed clothes. He gravitated toward leggings with a subtle sheen. They looked leather-like, but the way they moved when he stretched and folded them was closer to cloth.

He picked out nearly a dozen shirts—some colorful, others more subdued—and then set aside numerous jackets and coats of vaguely military style. Many of them had the flowy half-cape thing in the back that I’d noticed on what Xilen had given me.

Finally, he set aside boots of varying lengths. With nearly fifteen separate outfits set aside, he glanced over at me questioningly and asked, “Ah, before I get carried away—perhaps we can try some more traditional Syldrari attire as well? Perhaps for more casual wear?”

“I can only afford so much,” I remarked dryly, having spotted a price tag of a mind numbingly high amount. “Let’s see what fits first?”

“Ah, worry not. Xilen insisted that, should I meet you, I outfit you fully and invoice her with the bill.” Lynir waved a hand dismissively as he walked by and over to some more flowy, colorful attire. “I haven’t heard her complain about ‘human clothes’ and a ‘lack of wardrobe’ so much in decades. Trust me—she will not take ‘no’ for an answer. If you desire any control over what you will be wearing…”

“…then cooperate and pick it myself. I get it.” I shook my head slightly and followed him over to the more interesting pieces. “Okay…are there any styles or colors I should be wary of, so I don’t offend anyone?”

“No, any taboo colors won’t have made it into my designs,” Lynir answered with an amused smile. “You have free reign to pick whatever you please. Though, I do hope you will allow me to design you some custom pieces as well. It would be excellent for business.”

“Hmmm…I’m seeing a prevalence of spiral patterns,” I remarked, picking up a black pendant with a brilliant multicolored spiral on it.

“Ah yes, I believe humans refer to it as a ‘logarithmic spiral.’” Lynir nodded to me. “I take much of my inspiration from patterns and shapes found in nature—especially those found deeper than humans can venture. I’m also quite fond of asymmetry. Here we are—casualwear.

“I see Syldrari have better taste than humans in all categories,” I remarked dryly. By human standards, even the casual clothing was formal. Syldrari clothes were generally just…less shoddy by a significant margin. “How about a few dresses and some things I can exercise in?”

“Excellent choice!” Lynir nodded to me and promptly snatched several short dresses and a few long ones off the racks. Then, he motioned over to a section with varying lengths of pants and shorts. “Our exercise attire is made of the same material as our under armor. You’ll find the pieces there. I’d recommend grabbing a few sets, so you won’t get bored. From what I understand, you will be training frequently.”

As he carried off an array of dresses to the rest of the outfits he picked out, I began going through the selection of pants, leggings, and shorts. After picking out a broad variety, I moved on to shirts. Exercise clothing, at least, was similar enough for me to know what I liked. Though, I challenged myself to pick out things that weren’t simply black, white, and beige at least.

“Now then, for shoes,” Lynir murmured as I approached with my cargo in arms.

“Question—how am I going to carry everything?” I peered at him over the mountain of fabric in my arms.

“Ah, you don’t have a wardrobe module? I will fix that as well then,” Lynir remarked, motioning toward the back wall. “Look through the jewelry back there and pick something you’d be able to wear at all times. I’ll find shoes to go with your outfits.”

Wardrobe module? I wondered absentmindedly, wandering over to where he’d motioned. As I went, though, the scent of one of the perfumes caught my attention and I wandered over to it instead. The bottle was made out of a dark, multicolored material that looked like abalone.

I held up the sample to my nose and gave it a tentative sniff. The fragrances weren’t anything I had a name for, but the perfume smelled…sexy and powerful, was the best I could describe it. I glanced at the price tag and cringed internally, then picked up a sealed box and skimmed the back of it while I made my way over to the jewelry wall.

Each piece appeared to be unique, and made of a metal I couldn’t quite determine the color of. It was like the color was different each time I looked at it. There was an empty slot for a gem in each one, and a sign nearby in Syldran that I couldn’t read. Rings were out since I used hand-to-hand combat. I didn’t need to break a finger. Necklaces were out since someone could try to choke me with one. Earrings were out… I tilted my head, my gaze resting on the bracelets and armbands. A bracelet seemed a little risky…but I figured I could make do with an armband.

The prettiest ones had intricate pieces of metal and jewels hanging off them, but I knew that wouldn’t be practical. Instead, I needed to go with something simple—a solid metal band. After a moment, I spotted one that was solid. However, it wasn’t plain. A scene of abstract and geometric imagery was engraved deeply into the band the whole way around, giving it visual interest without too any moving bits. The geometric half met the abstract half and twisted around the jewel setting.

I picked up that one, then returned to Lynir with the armlet and perfume in hand. He smiled cheerfully when he spotted the latter.

“Ah, I was hoping something might catch your attention. That’s an excellent choice.” Lynir took the box and set it on the counter, then accepted the armlet and examined it. “Now then, let’s see…what manner of jewel shall we set in this? Follow me.”

I’m starting to feel spoiled… I kept the thought to myself and followed the happy pink Syldrari over to another counter, from which he pulled out a hefty book.

“Now then, which colors would suit you best…” Lynir flipped the book open to a page of multicolored gemstones as if he knew precisely where to open the book. “How about a more intriguing jewel to match your complexity? I wouldn’t dream of assigning you to some boring, one-dimensional gem.”

I raised an eyebrow at that comment, decided to write it off as a Syldrari compliment, then studied the pages of the book. I immediately pointed to a gem that appeared to be black, blue, pale green, and deep purple all at once. “How about this one?”

“I’m glad to see you are an Iri of excellent taste!” Lynir exclaimed excitedly. “I will set the jewel and return momentarily. Please, look around and see if there’s anything else you would like.”

He went off to a back room with so much excitement bubbling from him that I had to assume he was being genuine and not simply a good businessman. I didn’t have much reason not to look around…so I did as he suggested. Off in a back corner, I found a formfitting dress in an iridescent leather like material. It had a high collar and long sleeves and went down to mid-thigh. The back was cutout with a sheer black material. Curving cutouts through the bodice and skirt were filled with the same sheer fabric. It was paired with matching leggings and black ankle boots.

I already have a lot, but… I hesitated, then plucked the set and made my way back to the massive collection. Well , if Xilen’s buying…and besides, I have what…t hree shirts that aren’t part of my uniform?

“Now then, should I assume you don’t know what a wardrobe module is?” Lynir inquired, returning with a luxe-looking box. As he neared me, he opened it to reveal the completed jewelry piece. I had a feeling I didn’t want to know what a jewel of that size cost.

“Yeah. I have no idea what it is.” I nodded.

“How to explain it in human terms…” he murmured, before perking up. “Ah! It is a psylinked module connected to a virtual storage space for your attire. It can be programmed externally or internally with different outfits, and you can swap between them and what you are wearing at will.

“One of my services is predefining and programing your styling, as well as setting up your virtual space for you. This way, your clothing is with you wherever you go.”

That sounds similar to my battle suit… I peered at the armlet curiously

“All I need to do is wear it?”

“Yes, the necessary components are all internal to the jewelry and the crystal itself will calibrate to you specifically once I run the program,” Lynir answered with a pleasant smile and nod. “Here, put it on and I’ll run the setup from this computer. After, I’ll tally everything up and invoice Xilen, then you can be on your way. I’m sure you have plenty more business to see to tonight.”

“Yeah, thanks.” I returned his smile and shrugged my jacket off on the side where my skin was “normal” so I could put on the armlet. “Does any skin show when changing between outfits?”

“Not at all. I believe that is one of the reasons Xilen planned to suggest you come to me,” Lynir answered with a low laugh. He tapped one-handed at his computer and tossed a small orb toward my mountain of clothes with the other. He turned a screen away from me as the orb scanned the tags on each of the clothing items, and he shot me an amused look when he caught my expression but made no comment as to the price. Instead, he motioned toward my arm. “You wanted to change now, I take it? Something about human clothes and their infernal itchiness?”

“Yeah. I think I’d be a lot comfier if I changed.” I nodded to him.

“Good, that will be an excellent way to show you how this device works.” Lynir rose to his feet and held up a different orb toward the clothes. In an instant, the tags were all gone. A third, triangular device appeared in his palm and the clothes burst into particles of prismatic light and flew into the gem on my armband. He shot me an amused look. “I would explain the details of how it works, but I’m afraid we would be here all night and then some, as there are some Syldrari fields of study that you would first need a basic understanding of.”

He strode over to me and placed the small triangular device in my hand, smiling. “This will scan any Syldrari-made clothing you acquire and store them in your virtual space. It will also stay in that same space until you require it. Try visualizing a closet—you should feel something akin to connecting to the internet in the back of your mind. Once successful, you should ‘see’ your outfit options in your mind’s eye—as well as a storage slot for your scanner.”

I did as he asked, and within seconds I felt the mental ‘click’ he’d mentioned. In an instant, I knew every item stored there and the dozens of combinations Lynir had programed for my convenience. After a moment, I picked out a bodysuit with geometric cutouts and the cropped jacket he’d paired with it. For shoes, it had high-heeled boots that fused with the leggings to create one long, sleek piece.

“Excellent, that was quick. You should have no issue.” Lynir opened up the perfume I’d chosen, and offered it to me with a playful smile. “Do be careful—our perfumes are strong. Dab a tiny amount on up to two pulse points—it will last for hours. And, I’m sure the scent you selected will be a hit .”

I decided to ignore whatever he was insinuating and dabbed a tiny bit on my throat, and another dab on my wrist. Then, Lynir instructed me on how to store things—which led to me storing the perfume, and getting yet another entire outfit.

It struck me as a little strange how easily the process came to me. It was like sorting files or browsing the internet, but with a link to the physical realm. Not only that, but…it was more intuitive than any human programs I’d used at HQ.

“Wonderful! I do hope you will drop by again soon. Next time you are in the area, I should have some custom pieces for you to try!” Lynir remarked cheerfully. “And please, if anyone asks where you got such lovely clothing, tell them you acquired them at Therys-shyerr . I would adore more interesting customers.”

“Of course.” I smiled at him. “Thanks for everything—including your patience. If you speak to Xilen before I do, please relay my thanks to her as well.”

I left the cheerful man’s store and made my way through the Syldrari Sector, this time at a bit quicker of a pace. I’d lost a good chunk of time in Lynir’s shop and still had a lot to get done. I was glad I didn’t have to find a way to carry so many clothes, though. I kind of wanted to ask Xilen why she’d made such an arrangement. Was my clothing before really so bad? …who am I kidding. It was.

I decided to pick up everything on Zafir’s list first, as none of it was perishable. By the time I made it to Ceyoh’s candy stall, I was already draped in way too many damn bags— but I would get my candy, damn it.

“Elara! I was worried about you!” Ceyoh exclaimed when she spotted me. Then, she seemed to notice just how much I was carrying, and she looked off somewhere beyond my field of vision. “Oh my. Ciheri? Ciheri are you still there? Elara could use some help.”

The pale Syldrari peeked around a corner, quickly spotting me—and my outfit. He flushed a little blue as his glow turned a pale pink briefly, but he quickly composed himself and joined us. “Wow, why are you carrying all that by yourself?”

“Because I’m here by myself?” I tilted my head, then it occurred to me that maybe even that was odd to Syldrari. Instead of commenting on that fact, I looked over at Ceyoh. “I think Rel had put in an order for the ludrán I wanted, right?”

“Sure, but how are you going to carry…” Ceyoh sighed and pressed her fingers to her temples. “Where are you going next?”

“Rel’s cafe. I’m supposed to pick up dinner for a good, oh…seven? Eight? Nine? People.” I shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. “My escort is at the sector border; I figure I may end up taking a few trips depending on how Rel responds to my other business with him.”

“Other business?” Ciheri peered at me, then held out a hand. “Give me some of your bags. I can help you carry them to Rel’s at least. Watching you teeter around in those shoes while carrying so much is giving me anxiety.”

“Are you sure?” I blinked at him. My question seemed to take him aback. “If you want to help, I’ll welcome it, but if you have other things to do—”

Ciheri pouted and wiggled his fingers. “Give.”

“And I’ll bring your ludrán to Rel’s after I close up shop in half an hour.” Ceyoh patted my shoulder and smiled. “If he has to cook for that many people, it’ll be a while before you can leave.”

I gave her a half smile. She had a point. “Thanks, both of you. See you in a bit then, Ceyoh. Shall we, Ciheri? Which bags would you like to carry?”

Ciheri promptly took all the bags from my left arm, and I redistributed the ones from my right to balance out my load. Then, we strolled off in the direction of Rel’s cafe.

We walked in silence for a little bit, before Ciheri seemed to grow too uncomfortable with it. He glanced at me hesitantly and spoke up, “How…are your teammates doing?”

“Better, though I’m not sure I can talk about it here,” I offered, glancing over at him. He looked a little nervous in my presence, though nowhere near as skittish as I’d seen him on other occasions. Though his skittishness had made me think of him as particularly young…he looked to easily be in the same age bracket as Aldiner or Rel. “How are you settling in with your new home? You’re staying in one of the apartments above Rel’s cafe now, right?”

“Yes! And he isn’t charging me rent, either. Instead, I just help out in the cafe. He’s been very patient in teaching me how he likes things to be done.” Ciheri latched onto the topic eagerly and gave me a bright smile. “Unlike the others, he doesn’t pry unnecessarily. He’s letting me find my own way and giving me support if I need it. Working at a cafe is quite different from what I’m used to, but there aren’t many research opportunities here for a Syldrari who wants to lay low.”

Right, he’d mentioned something about being from a clan who loved research. In which case, I had to imagine he was trying to lay low for a reason. After a moment of consideration, I replied, “Do you have access to useful reading material, at least? If not, I know some human universities with research papers and books that are open to the public. They’re probably eons behind Syldrari advancements, but you might glean something interesting due to differing perspectives.”

Ciheri tilted his head as if he needed a moment to process what I’d said. After a moment, his gaze refocused and he smiled brightly. “I see, understanding the perspectives of non-Syldrari individuals could lead to further advancements and a better understanding of how to interact with them?”

“Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something too,” I suggested with an amused smile, which broadened into a grin when he gave me a perplexed puppy look. “You know as little as I do about the humans, if not more, right? Then, you now have the chance to learn about humans and their civilizations from their own telling of it. Inaccurate as it may or may not be.”

“Hmmm…” Ciheri murmured something to himself in Syldran, then glanced over at me questioningly. “I’m always interested in more reading material. Do you have any suggestions?

“Well, that depends on what you want to read. Do you like mythology?” I waited for him to nod before I continued, “Then, you might find the mythology from one of humanity’s dead planets interesting. The planet was given back to nature, from what I understand, but imperial researchers were able to recover data from what remained of the civilizations there. Their tales of ancient deiform entities and the like are quite interesting.”

“Ah! Would this be one of the primitive worlds ravaged by wars?” Ciheri inquired excitedly, and I nodded. He smiled brightly. “Excellent! I’ve been wanting to study human emotions and motivations so that I could better understand why they are so violent. I’m sure texts from one of the more primitive worlds will be most enlightening.”

Our conversation came to a halt as we arrived at Rel’s and Ciheri opened the door for me. I hadn’t really been paying attention to passersby on the way, but the moment I stepped into the cafe all eyes turned to me. It was a little unsettling, as I’d grown used to going mostly unnoticed. But, I had chosen an interesting outfit and perfume. I should have expected some kind of reaction—especially considering my absence the past few weeks.

“Elara…?” Rel stared at me for a second, then glanced at the customers directly in front of him at the bar as they began to argue with each other in Syldran—and I was quite sure I heard my name a few times during the exchange.

“Oh dear…” Ciheri murmured, before leaning over to tell me, “The one on the left is trying to free up ‘your seat.’”

“Oooh. No need for that.” I walked over to the counter and gave Rel a pleasant smile. “We need to speak privately, and I have a rather large list of things to order, so I won’t be sitting at the bar today.”

“You smell…” Rel shook his head faintly then narrowed his eyes at the two arguing Syldrari. “You heard Elara. Knock it off or I will throw you both out. Now then… Aldiner !”

“I didn’t do it!” Aldiner exclaimed, skidding out of the back room. Then, he noticed me, and his expression spread into a mischievous grin. “Oh-ho, Her Tastiness is back.”

“If you start calling me that, I’m going to drop you from the capitol building and see how high you bounce.” I pressed my fingers to my temples. “Honestly…”

“Oh, please try,” Aldiner purred, leaning forward. “I’d be happy to give you any kind of romp you—”

“ Behave .” Rel, much to my surprise, shimmered briefly with cyan energy and sent Aldiner flying backward into a wall. Then, he looked at me with sharp eyes. “I’ll show you to one of the private rooms. Ciheri, bring her things, then go help Aldiner serve the customers.”

“Aw… I wanted to talk with her about mythology more…” Ciheri deflated a little, and Rel’s expression softened.

“You can talk to her about it later. It sounds as though she has important business to discuss with me—and only me. Is that the right of it, Elara?” Rel looked my way again and I nodded. He returned his attention to Ciheri and motioned us both forward. “Come along, then…and preferably before my customers decide they agree with Aldiner’s sentiments.”

Once we were in a smaller room one floor up, Ciheri gently deposited my bags for me and I set down my load too. The disappointed one quietly took his leave, and Rel both closed and locked the door behind him. Then, I noticed a faint ripple of pale energy arc across the room.

“Hmmm…what was that?” I murmured, and Rel stiffened.

After a moment, he turned and narrowed his eyes at me, and slowly asked, “You…saw that?”

“I saw pale blue energy arc across the ceiling, yes,” I answered pointing at the ceiling. Then, I leaned toward him slightly. “Ah, is this another of those, ‘you’re seeing things you shouldn’t see, so please pretend you saw nothing’ moments?”

“This isn’t the first time?” Rel sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. I shrugged, took a seat at the table, and waited for him to sit across from me—which he finally did after a few moments of hesitation. “What…are you wearing?”

“Apparently, Xilen was so offended by my lack of a wardrobe that she arranged for that issue to be fixed,” I answered dryly, resting my elbow on the table so I could prop my chin in my hand. “I get the feeling that the total came to a price I really don’t want the answer to. I have a wardrobe module now though, at least.”

“…and you can use it?” Rel raised an eyebrow at me.

“It’s much more intuitive than any of the human programs I’ve interfaced with, yes,” I answered with a faint nod.

Rel glanced at my bags, then at me. “Yet shopping isn’t why you were let out of that place, is it?”

“Oh, I’m not under house arrest anymore.” I smiled, enjoying watching him squirm and pretend that it didn’t cause any reaction. “My patrols won’t be resuming any time soon, but I’m free to go wherever I please when I’m not on duty inside HQ. That said, you’re right in thinking this isn’t simply a pleasure visit.”

Rel attempted to give me an unamused look, but the quirk at the corner of his mouth gave him away. “Must you use that phrasing?”

“What phrasing?” I gave him a sweet smile and continued before he could answer, “My bosses have decided that they want me to have a Syldrari training partner, because I have to be too careful with our people and equipment in-house. You’ve been volunteered for the role because they figure you’ve already worked out that HQ is HQ. If you don’t accept, they intend for me to seduce Aldiner or Ciheri into cooperating. They seem to not realize I never agreed to their intentions of having me seduce people…but I figure it’s safer to let them think whatever they want right now.”

“And why would I ever agree to helping train someone whose purpose was originally going to be hunting Syldrari?” Rel sighed in exasperation and raised his hand over his eyes, rubbing his temples.

“That’s what I want to know.” I leaned forward a little further, then procured a box from inside one of my bags. “There’s a letter inside for you, apparently. And the badge is for if you decide you want to cooperate.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” Rel inquired dangerously. He leaned forward as well, the air around us growing ‘tight’ for lack of a better word. I had a feeling that, if I gave an answer he didn’t like, I might end up a bloodstain on the wall. But that was fine.

“I believe Zafir arranged for all of this, much like how he arranged for HQ to be moved to a less defensible location,” I remarked, my amusement returning when I noticed Rel’s attention starting to drift. “Don’t like my outfit?”

“What—” Rel’s eyes snapped back up to meet mine, startled for a moment, before narrowing them again. “You…selected rather a distracting perfume and garments. Were you any other Iri, I would have to question your motives.”

“For what it’s worth, as fun as it is to try and get a reaction out of you, seducing you is the last thing I intend to do,” I offered after a moment of consideration. “I would prefer to keep however much trust it is you have in me. Even if you sometimes infuriate me with your non-answers just like all the others do.”

“You know it’s for your own wellbeing.” Rel gave me a firm look, before picking up the letter and opening it. “However, I wouldn’t mind if you tried to seduce me—or we tried to seduce each other. To be quite blunt, it’s the intention behind it that matters—not the act of seduction itself. It can be quite flattering, you know, if done correctly.”

Rel shot me a sultry, triumphant smirk over the piece of paper when I said nothing, clearly satisfied that he’d surprised me into silence. To keep my mind off the rather inviting thing he’d just said, I started rummaging around in my bags for the list of food I was supposed to order.

“Hmmm…this does present an opportunity…” Rel murmured after a few minutes, and I finally glanced his way. “It isn’t every day a Syldrari is given a legitimate reason to go inside a human government or military facility. Plus, if your abilities are growing as these scans suggest, you are going to need Syldrari assistance, so you don’t harm anyone or yourself.”

“Mm?” I frowned at him in confusion, so he held up one of the sheets of paper—which, unfortunately, was meaningless to me.

Recognizing that fact, Rel explained, “Your abilities are either growing or breaking free from some manner of suppression. At your current trend, I’d give it a month before you begin uncontrollably discharging elemental energy. You are…essentially an overcharged battery as you are now, and lightning is a dangerous element. However, I’m seeing traces of other abilities here too…”

“Is that a problem?” I asked, and he gave me an incredulous look. “The other abilities, I mean!”

“Ah, it depends on what they are. The readings are still unclear, but…let’s say you were a fully-fledged adult Syldrari before the Incident—which I’m certain you were—you would have more than one ability at your disposal.” Rel flourished with his hand as he spoke. “The longer we live, the more we learn. It is quite rare for a Syldrari to have merely one ability. It happens, of course, and when it does that individual must specialize in an appropriate field. But…that may be too complicated of a topic for tonight. I believe you said something about needing to order a great deal of food?”

“That’s right.” I held up the list for him, and he raised an eyebrow.

“ Ten meals? Ah—your teammates have awoken?” Rel gave me a smile. “That’s wonderful news. I’m sure you must be relieved.”

“Relieved? Hmmm…I suppose I hadn’t really thought about it. They woke up as I was on my way to the Syldrari Sector,” I answered, tilting my head faintly. “Besides, we still have to catch whoever is doing this. The new building should lull any attackers into a false sense of security, I suppose, but…”

“Elara,” Rel interjected in a soothing tone, causing me to fall silent and look toward him. “Relax. You are ‘off duty’ remember? You are going to give yourself a headache and then some if you don’t give yourself a break.”

“I suppose you’re right.” I sighed, watching as he stood up. “What about their proposal, though?”

“I’ll have an answer for you by the time you leave here tonight,” Rel answered with a mysterious smile. He took my list and made his way to the door, then stopped and gave me a questioning look. “Be honest—do you find me attractive?”

W here’s that coming from? I wondered as I quickly examined him from head to toe. Then, I met his gaze. He looked rather confident despite having asked such a question. “Yes, quite.”

“Interesting…” Rel murmured, rubbing his chin, his lips pulling into an amused smile. “I’ll bring you a drink while you wait for us to cook your food. I would appreciate it if you remained here.”

“Sure…” I tilted my head, watching as he left and shut the door behind him. Hmm, just what did I get myself into? Should I be concerned, or excited? And why did he ask that question if he already knew the answer to it? Then there’s his customers…why were they ready to brawl…oh.

I grimaced as it hit me. Zafir had told me that Syldrari got competitive and violent over queens and usually didn’t even realize it at first. If my suspicions were right—which I really hoped they weren’t—then whatever latent draw I had was beginning to affect the Syldrari Sector. Given how sharp Rel was…I had to assume he was separating me from his customers to reduce the chance that they realized what was going on. After all, if they reported me to the R’selkti queen…

I sighed and shook my head. Just shut up and go along with it. Rel knows better than I do how to deal with these people. Plus, a little alone time wouldn’t hurt.

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